(S2) Family member of foreigner(s) staying or residing in China or person who needs to come to China for personal matters (no more than 180 days)
1. Basic Documents
(1) Passport and a photocopy of its data page
Original foreign passport recognized by China with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.（If you have dual or multiple citizenship , you must provide all your original and photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate. If you have more than one valid passport, you also must provide all your original and photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate）
(2) Visa Application Form and Photo
Form: One clearly and accurately completed Visa Application Form with the original signature of the applicant (or the guardian). The form must be hand-signed by the applicant, scanned signatures will not be accepted.
Photo: Recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face, without glasses) against a white background of the size of 48mm×33mm. Photo requirements The applicant must bring the photo to the Visa Center in a physical form even after they have uploaded it when filling out the application form.
(1) Passport and a photocopy of its data page
Original foreign passport recognized by China with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.（If you have dual or multiple citizenship , you must provide all your original and photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate. If you have more than one valid passport, you also must provide all your original and photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate）
(2) Visa Application Form and Photo
Form: One clearly and accurately completed Visa Application Form with the original signature of the applicant (or the guardian). The form must be hand-signed by the applicant, scanned signatures will not be accepted.
Photo: Recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face, without glasses) against a white background of the size of 48mm×33mm. Photo requirements The applicant must bring the photo to the Visa Center in a physical form even after they have uploaded it when filling out the application form.
(3) Proof of legal entry or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)
If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide: 1. the original and photocopy of your valid residency permit or other proof of legal staying in the country or region where you apply for a visa, 2. confirmation of employment or student status in the country or region where you apply for a visa. You must also submit a photocopy of the latest visa/immigration entry stamp on your passport.
(4) If you used to be a Chinese citizen but now have obtained foreign citizenship: If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
(5) If the applicant is younger than 18 years of age (regardless of whether travelling with parents or not), the following additional documents must be submitted: 1. birth certificate (original and a photocopy), 2. both parents are required to come apply for the child's visa in person. Otherwise, the parent(s) who cannot come must submit a written consent to the child's travel to China with notary-certified signatures.
If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide: 1. the original and photocopy of your valid residency permit or other proof of legal staying in the country or region where you apply for a visa, 2. confirmation of employment or student status in the country or region where you apply for a visa. You must also submit a photocopy of the latest visa/immigration entry stamp on your passport.
(4) If you used to be a Chinese citizen but now have obtained foreign citizenship: If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
(5) If the applicant is younger than 18 years of age (regardless of whether travelling with parents or not), the following additional documents must be submitted: 1. birth certificate (original and a photocopy), 2. both parents are required to come apply for the child's visa in person. Otherwise, the parent(s) who cannot come must submit a written consent to the child's travel to China with notary-certified signatures.
2. Supporting documents
For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:
(1) An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit
(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.
The applicant must provide the flight ticket booking (full trip or round-trip ticket reservation with confirmed date) and a proof of accommodation (when staying overnight).
3. Special notes
(1) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter..
(2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.
(3) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.
(4) For further details, please visit the web-site of the relevant Chinese Embassy or Consulate General.a